Duluth Native Heikkinen a Preseason All-American

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Duluth, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) --- University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) senior and Duluth native Garth Heikkinen had been named by USA College Football as a preseason Division II All-American, it was announced on Monday.

Heikkinen has started 42 consecutive games on the Bulldogs' offensive line, last year helping that offensive unit to the highest regular season rushing yardage in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

"He's developed himself into one of the top offensive linemen in Division, II," UMD head coach Bob Nielson said. "The honors that he's earned certainly represent the fact that he's capable and will play at a very high level this year. He really is a leader for us in the offensive line group."

The Duluth Central graduate received four All-American honors following the 2011 season, and he was also named preseason All-American this year by the Beyond Sports College Network.

Heikkinen is a three-time all-NSIC selection, and he is serving as one of five senior co-captains for the UMD team in 2012.

The Bulldogs open the season August 30 on the road to Southwest Minnesota State, with the team's home opener set for September 8 against Winona State. All UMD home games this season can be seen live in the Northland on the My 9 Sports Network.